Abstract : According to the patent, a launch and recovery system for submersible vehicles operating from a surface support station includes a platform configured to pass through a well in the support station and descend below the surface of the water and is supported by four cables attached to the corners thereof. Provision is made for docking and launching the submersible vehicle on the lower surface of the platform. Hydraulic tensioning devices couple each of the supporting lines to the platform and, together with controllable louvers, isolate the launch and recovery platform from movements induced by the sea state acting upon the surface support station.